CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE ERA OF REFORM.
[A. D. 1848.] For a brief period, after the withdrawal of the American army, the Mexican people drew the breath of peace, disturbed only by outbreaks headed by the turbulent Paredes. The notorious guerilla, Padre Jarato, was made prisoner and shot, and attempts made to destroy those bands of brigands, the guerillas, that had proved so troublesome to the American army, and which were now murdering and despoiling their own countrymen. For many years these murderous cut-throats existed in their mountain fastnesses, rendering all travel in the interior insecure; and even to-day they infest portions of the country, and set all law at defiance.
In June, 1848, Señor Herrera, (who had been in power at the opening of the war with the United States) took possession of the presidential chair.[1] For the first time within the memory of men then living, the supreme power changed hands without disturbance or opposition. The administration of Señor Herrera was conspicuous for its tolerance and its economy. The army—that fruitful source of disturbance—was greatly reduced, arrangements were made with creditors abroad, and for the faithful discharge of internal affairs.
[A. D. 1851.] General Mariano Arista, formerly min-
- ↑ "Por primera vez, se vis en México que el poder supremo pasase de unas manos á otras sin violencia y por el ministerio de la ley."—Compendio de La Historia De Mexico. [Translation by Wm Maury Morris II: "For the first time, in Mexico the supreme power passed from one hand to another without violence and by operation of law."-Summary of the History of Mexico.]
